The landscape of Cebuano collegiate sports is expanding with the official launch of the Metro Cebu Collegiate Basketball League (MCCBL), a new tournament set to provide a competitive platform for schools beyond the established Cesafi league.
A Formal Launch and a Clear Vision
The league was formally introduced during a press conference held last Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Solea Resort in Cordova, Cebu. The event was attended by top executives and team representatives from the six participating schools.
Leading the initiative are founder Remar Baguio, who also serves as a Cordova councilor, alongside Sandi Grumo as the executive director and Jerry Capacio as the appointed league commissioner. They outlined a vision for the MCCBL to become a breeding ground for local basketball talent.
Inaugural Season Details and Participating Teams
The inaugural season is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Cordova Sports Complex. This initial run will be a compact, four-day tournament, serving as a trial to help organizers refine the league for future seasons.
The six educational institutions ready to battle on the court are:
- Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus
- Cebu Sacred Heart College–Carcar Campus
- Cordova Public College
- Mandaue City College
- St. Cecilia’s College
- Talisay City College
The opening day will feature a thrilling double-header. The first game at 7:30 a.m. pits CTU-Main against Mandaue City College. This will be followed by the host team, Cordova Public College, facing St. Cecilia’s College. An official opening program will take place after the second game.
Future Plans and League Philosophy
Founder Remar Baguio emphasized that "big things start from small beginnings," highlighting that several other schools have already shown interest in joining future iterations of the league. He also expressed gratitude for the trust shown by the participating college administrators.
Commissioner Jerry Capacio was clear that the MCCBL is not a rival to Cesafi. Instead, it aims to fill a gap by offering opportunities and exposure to athletes from non-Cesafi schools. In fact, future seasons are planned to be held before the Cesafi season begins to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Looking ahead, the league plans to formally register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to cement its status as a legitimate sports organization. Capacio also did not rule out adopting an exciting home-and-away format in the future to further engage local communities.
For fans unable to attend, all games will be available via livestream across various social media platforms, ensuring widespread access to the new league's action.
